The Richardson Highway is closed today between mile 12 and mile 64 due to multiple avalanches that have occurred on the highway there.

The Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilites said that the highway will remain closed for at least 24 hours as they work to clear the highway. They say that they are allowing the wet, heavy snow to stabilize so that they can safely bring in all available equipment and personnel to clear the roadway. Due to current weather conditions in the area, that clean-up may take longer than expected.

It is reported that although there were motorists traveling in the area at 6:30 am when the slide occurred, no one was caught in the slides. One motorist is reported to have struck a slide that was already on the roadway, but was uninjured. That person was transported to a safert location.

Travellers are advised to use extreme caution when traveling through the region as there is an increased possibility of more avalanches, and are warned to watch out for flaggers and heavy equipment on the highway.

DOT&PF advises checking on driving conditions by dialing 5-1-1 or visiting 511.alaska.gov, or checking 511 updates on Facebook and Twitter before traveling in the area. DOT&PF will update the advisory system when the roadway is fully cleared.